I own the rio selective on a 4 wt and the SA XPS DT in a 3 wt. My opinion is that rio lines float a bit better but SA lines are a bit more durable. Own several lines of both brands.

I'd definitely choose the SA trout for the application you describe. The Rio selective has a long front taper which makes turnover at short distances, especially with larger flies, more difficult. Not what you want in a small stream rod used to cast big attractors, stimulators or roll casting in tight quarters.

A very underrated and little known line is Ridge AirFlow Tactical Trout. I use this on my 3-5 weights.

The Rio Selective Trout was the first 3 weight line I used. It cracked and became useless within the first year and I take excellent care of my lines. (I still have very useable 35 year old Cortland 444 lines.) I then bought SA Exact Presentation Series line, which worked very well and is a grat line. I only replaced the line with the Ridge becauase I like Ridge better but the SA XPS line is a really good line.

I have an Airflo Ridge line from this source on my 5wt and I absolutely love it. My wife ordered me a ridge line for my 4 wt for Valentines day and I'm anxiously awaiting delivery. It shoots like a dream.

Posted on: 2009/2/16 8:48

_________________Only one constant in the universe, all men are equal in the eyes of the fish. -GulfGreyhound paraphrasing Herbert Hoover

I've used both. In fact, SA and Rio are the only fly lines I've used (but never the 3 wt). Truthfully, I can't really tell the difference. I had the SA line. After two years I bought a new line, it was the Rio selective trout, and it casted much better, I immediately saw the difference. But this winter I decided to change again, and bought the SA mastery because it was on sale, and now its light years ahead of the Rio. So, I think what I'm getting at is that I was seeing the difference between worn out and new, not between the brands. Probably has something to do with me not taking very good care of my lines. I'd buy either again, and I'm not sure there's much of a difference, you can't go wrong.

"THis thread would be incomplete without me stating that I buy my lines for $10-12.00 at WallyWorld. They are made by SA in generic looking packages. Ive bought my last expensive line."

Maurice,You are a smart man, my friend. I spent $100 last year for Sharkskin. This stinkin' line cuts my fingers and makes noise when casting. I had to take it off my reel.I've also purchased Orvis Gen 3 Double Taper line. Now that's a good line but I guess no better than the $10 stuff at Wal-Mart...... and it cost me $69.